Jewelry is and always will be the icing on the cake of a bride’s ensemble. To make sure your bling is extra sweet, head over to Amamika & Shinji. This Tokyo-based Etsy shop and private atelier sells artfully crafted sterling silver pieces inspired by whimsical motifs such as dragonflies, clovers and sakura, in addition to more simplistic designs. The prices may be a bit indulgent (from $40 to a whopping $940), but the pieces are well worth the cost.

So, one of my good friends just got engaged and she has put me in charge of her paper materials.

She and her fiancé have a lovely hobby of raising pet fish and a love for all things nautical. She specifically requested that I use the angelfish as a motif for their announcements because they are monogamus (fun fact!).

Minter and Richter Designs is an Etsy shop that fashions wedding bands out of the most unlikely materials. The shop has the usual suspects (titanium) and has picked up on some trends (woodgrain inlay)… but, how many people can say that their wedding band features concrete? It may be considered an industrial material, but Minter and Richter designs incorporates it in a way that makes the final product an elegant option with a little edge.

For 2011, brides are still looking for drama when it comes to their accessories. One place where you can find high-impact accessories with an ethereal look is Flora Bond. This Etsy shop carries statement necklaces that combines light satin and silk with pearls and other jewels, creating pieces that even the most dramatic bride will appreciate. Flora Bond also has a range of millinery hair pieces and a budding earring collection that is sure to impress.

Emici Bridal prides itself on offering “Heirloom Quality Bridal Accessories,” and it shows. The new online boutique carries accessories for the bride, flower girl, and ring bearer fashioned out of high-quality fabrics and exceptional craftsmanship. Oh, and each piece is gorgeous as well! I myself have taken a special interest to Emici Bridal’s brooches, which can be made into a hair piece, and their bridal bouquets, which offer a long-lasting (and stunning) alternative to fresh blooms.

These pieces are on the higher end of the price spectrum, but in my eyes they are a worthwhile splurge.

Etsy has provided yet another means to acquire wedding day accessories. Little White Dresser specializes in wedding day hair accessories, dress accessories, and jewelry for the vintage-loving bride. Among my favorite lacy pieces in the shop is their silvery belt and this lovely blush pink hair flower. Several of the necklaces made me smile as well, and the affordability will make the budget-savvy bride grin from ear to ear.

The newest invitation suite is inspired by the work of painter Piet Mondrian. The clean lines and primary color scheme will most likely appeal to the ultra-modern, artsy bride. In any case, check it out along with my Orchid collection.